


^ T.f 



m 



E Princess Chrysalline 



-OR- 



The Maiden Who Couldn't Laugh: 



S. E. S. 



coi'inaxa-n'T' ssccria'Eis i.3S2^ 




ST. LOUIS, MO. 

Little & Beckkr, Printers, 210 Pine Street, 

1882. 



m 



n 



Princess Chrysalun 



n 



-OR- 



The Maiden Who Couldn't Laugh: 



-BY- 



%M S. K. S.dJU 



i ''IMm 



^'^OPWASHi^i^: 



.,r.<c>; 



ST. LOUIS, i\ro. 

Little & Becker, Printers, -210 Pine Street, 

1882. 






CHARACTERS. 



KiNc;. 
Queen. 

Pkincss Ciirysalink — 'Vhtir dcmg liter 

Prince 

Gemma, ^ 

K Maida oj Honor. 
Lola, | 

I 
Blanche, J 

Marcjery — Maid. 

Sandro — Master of Cei-emouies 

GOHBO. 
E(iYPTIAN. 

Four Attendants. 

Three Pages. 

Two Heralds 

Giant. 

P^XHiBiTOR or Pictures. 

Troop of Dancing Girls. 



The Princess Chrysalline, 



ScENE — A Room in the Palace — Four Ladies in Waiting- 
Two or Three Pages. 

Gem?7ia — i^^V.s•^ Lady. 

Lola — Second Lady. 

JSfita — Third Lady. 

Blanche — FourtJt Lady. 
Gemma — 

The day is cool, and fresh and fair — 
Our hidy's gone to talve the air ; 
I wish that ive could have the pleasure 
Of such enjoyment without measure. 
It's very stupid, sitting here, 
Stretching our mouths from eiir to ear ; 
Our faces red as any cherry, 
Forever trying to be merrj^ ! 
Lola — 
, No matter if we're tired and blue, 

Have headache, toothache, earache, too ; 
No matter if our dresses pinch ; 
Our shoes be small by half an inch ; 
Strings twist in knots, or hairpins prick. 
Old Gobbo says, " Young ladies, quick ; 
Be merry all ; and laugh — laugh — laugh " ; 
And then he shakes his old red staff ! 



— 4 — 

Nita — 

Oh, yes. But for the Princess' sake, 
We should forget each trifling ache. 
That ive may have, and always seem 
As bright as yonder glad sunbeam. 
Laughter is catching, so they say ; 
And she may echo ours, some day. 
There's a reward for some one's wit — 

\_Points to framed placard, ofering reiuard to any one ivho 
will make the Princess laugh'] 

I wish 'twere mine! Just think of it ! 
All — I wish 'twere mine ! Just think of it ! 

Blanche — 

Oh, that, indeed, would be a hit ! 

But all our efforts are in vain ! 

It's of no use to tr}^ again ! 

No matter what the joke or fun — 

What joU}^ thing is said or done — 

Where'er is heard the loudest laughter, 

The Princess sighs the deepest after ! 

\_E liter Page, addressing Lauy Gejoia.] 
Page — 

Madam, the Prince of Isamboo 
Would like to have a word with you. 
Gemma — 

Admit the Prince. He comes, no doubt. 
To see her Highness — who's gone out. 
Perhaps he is a funny fellow — 
With rosy cheeks and hair of yellow — 
Who'll try his game of wit and chaff. 
To see if Jte can't make her lauo-h ! 



Lola- 



I wish him joy ! It's all in vain ! 
He might as well ijo home affain ! 

[Page enters, ushering the Prince.] 



Page — 

Ladies, the Prince of Isaniboo. 

("He's just arrived from Kalamazoo !) \_Aside.~\ 

[Prince hows loiv^ right and left.~\ 

Prince — 

Ladies, your slave ! 

All — Ob, how polite. 

Blanche — 

Oh, sir, you are too gracious quite ! 
Gemma — 

Allow me. Prince, to welcome you 

Unto the Court and Kingdom, too ! 

Their Majesties, the King and Queen, 

Her Highness, Princess Chrysalline, 

Are not within — they ride to-day. 

Tell me what is your errand, pray? 
Prince — 

Within a far-off, sunny land, 

My palace rises high and grand ; 

A thousand vassals wait my word. 

And guard its walls with spear and sword. 

And I have come across the seas — 

Blown hither by an adverse breeze 

That blew my vessel from its way, 

And dashed it on your shores to-day 

I sought adventures, wild and strange — 

My ardor knew no lower range — 

I thought I'd strike the North Pole's track, 

And take the North- West Passage back ! 

But since my ship's dismantled quite, 

I am the gainer in delight ; 

For it has brought me face to face 

With so much loveliness and grace ! \_Bowing .'\ 

All— Ah! ah! oh! 



— (1 — 

Nila— 

What would he say if he had seen 
Our lovel}' Princess, Chrysalline? 

Prince — 

And so m}^ vessel being wrecked, 
I thought I'd pay my best respect 
Unto the King of this strange port — 
Unto the Queen — and all the Court. 

[^Boios right and lej't.'] 
Gemma — 

Oh, thank you, Prince ! You're so polite ! 

AU — It's very true ; he's quite polite ! 

Gemma — 

In your far home, across the seas, 

They surely teach you how to please — 

A knowledge courtiers sometimes lack. 

Tm glad your vessel left its track ! 

The King and Queen, and Princess, too, 

I'm sure, will gladly welcome you ! 
Prince — 

The Princess, whom you mentioned there, 

Oh ! tell me — is she young and fair? 
Lola — 

Oh yes indeed ! The blessed sun 

Ne'er shone on such another one ; 

Our lad}^ Princess Chrysalline 

Is just the fairest ever seen. 

But oh, she is so very sad, 

She never, never can be glad ! 

AU — She is m sad ! 

Prince — 

Why, what you say is so ver}^ queer. 
In this fair world of mirth and cheer, 
Where each one has his share of folly, 
It is one's duty to be jolly ; 



And over all, it ^ccin.s lo me, 
A inaiden's heart should ever be 
The home of gladness, joy and glee. 
Can you not drive away the gloom 
That strives her young heart to consume 
And bid her drown her tears in fun — 
Laugh and grow fat? 
Blanche— It can't be done- 

Just there's the rub — she cannot smile ; 
She's never laughed -but all the Avhile 
She looks at us with tearful eyes, 
And when toe laugh she sighs and sighs ! 

All She sighs and sighs ! 

Prince — 

Why, this is surely most absurd — 

Of such a thhig I've never heard — 

A maiden not know how to laugh ! 

Why that is funnier far, by half. 

Than if she giggled all day long 

At foolish jest or comic song. 

What is the cause, if cause there be? 

If you do know it, tell it me. 
JSfita — 

Oh, yes indeed, we know it well — 

A great disaster once befel 

Our Princess — / the tale will tell : 

A wretched being heard her sneeze 

And came to see her. 

[Gemma steps in front of Nita and pushes her back scornfully'] 

Genima— If you please, 

rn tell the story. Foolish chit. 
You don't know how to talk a bit. 
One day when Princess Chrysalline — 
The sweetest baby ever seen — 



Lay ill her cnidle (so they say), 
A spiteful fairy passed that way, 
Mis-shapen, uiily, wierd and old — 
A friiihtful ol)je(;t to behold. 
The little Princess, at the sight. 
Screamed out in terror and affright ; 
And when the fairy stooped to kiss her. 
And strove to soothe her and caress her, 
She bit and scratched, as babies may, 
To drive the ugly witch away. 
This made the beldame raging mad: ' 
She cursed and swore by good and bad — 
The while she shook her crooked staff — 
That as the baby would not laugh 
Or crow at her, her fate should be 
Sorrow and sadness e'er to see ; 
That let who would be gay and glad, 
The little Princess should be sad. 

All — She must be sad — 
It is too bad ! 

Prince — 

This is indeed' a serious tale. 
Was nothing done? Could naught avail 
To ward away the threatened harm 
And break the working of the charm? 

Gemma — 

Oh yes, our good old King and Queen 
(Whose only child is Chrysalline) 
Sent many gifts of gems and gold 
And silver to the fairy old ; 
• They asked her pardon on their knees, 
And strove her anger to appease. 
At last, with spiteful condescension. 
The old witch deigned to pay attention. 
And promised, though she could not quell 
Entirely all the mischief fell 
She'd conjured by her v/icked spell, 



Tlial slic Would u'ive the child she hint 
One chiiiK'C the evil to iivert, 
If e'er \\(\v ffttentli hirUiday came, 
(And this she hade the Court [)n)claiin) 
Whether by honesty or guile 
The Princess could be made to smile, 
Or laugh with hearty joy and glee, 
From bondage she would set her free, 
And she should rule o'er all the land 
And every [)ower for good command ; 
Her husband should be rich and great, 
A. noble Prince of royal state ; 
And all her subjects should adore 
The happy Princess more and more. 
Princf — 

This is indeed a strange romance : 

And if she has but just one chance 
To break the spell, 'twere blest indeed 
If you to make her laugh succeed. 
But if before she is fifteen 
No laugh is heard, no smile is seen 
Upon her lovely fa(3e, what then? 

Gemma — 

Alas ! Sir Prince, no tongue or pen 
Can tell the sorrow that shall fall 
With sudden swoop upon us all 
If our dear Princess Chrysalline 
Lauohs not l^efore she is fifteen. 
Blanche — tell it you, /am too weak, 
The dreadful words I cannot speak. 

Blanche — 

When all the leaves of fate are told. 

And show that she's fifteen years old — 

If she does not, liefore that day, 

I^augh, dance and sing — be glad and gay, 

In spite of all beneath the skies, 

She — oh ! what grief — she surely dies ! 

All — She dies ! she dies ! 



— 10 — 

Nita — 

And fiiuiiiK' will (•oiismiic the land ; 

And all our aold will turn to sand ; 

And sorrow, pestilent-e and war 

Shall ti-oul)k' us, aiiear, afar; 

And all the kiniidoni conic to nauii;ht— 

Such is the ruin will he wroui>ht I 
Prince — 

Well, this would be a dreadful fate, 

For her, foi- yon, for Court and State ! 

Tell me, has evervthiii<>; been tried 

To nnd^e her see the funny side 

Of everything, both great and small? 

You know there's comedy in all. 
Gemma — 

Oh, yes, indeed I — the King and Queen, 

Who worship Princess Chrj^salline, 

Have sent abroad, north, south, east, west, 

For what they think will please her best. 

The funniest things in all the land 

Are hither brought at their command ! 

Strange beings, jolly and grotesque, 

In costumes gay and picturesque ; 

And dancing bears, and singing rats ; 

And talking l)irds, and barking cats ; 

And all the fools — (who get a floorer) — 

Have swung their caps and bells before her. 

[GoiJBO leaps in, shoMng a red staff, decked with ribbons.^ 

Gohbn — 

What does this mean, you idle creatures? 
There's not a smile on all your features ! 
Laugh — laugh, I say ! — and dance, and sing — 
Behold his Majesty, the King ! — 
Our gracious mistress, too, the Queen ! — 
Her Highness, Princess Chrysalline ! — 



— 11 — 

Are coming from their morning ride, — 

Be jolly now on every side ! 

You are too sober far, b}' half ! 

Do what you will I — l)ul laugh ! laugh ! laugh ! 

\_Enter Ki>fG, Queen, Princess, jNIaster of Ceremonies, 
and two or fhree Attendants. IVie// take their seats; the 
two Pages spring forward toith huge fans, luhicli tliey 
loave over the head of the Princess; Gobbo runs o.round, 
trying to make everyhody lauglt ; the Prince steals to one 
side, and looks at the Princess; then comes forward.'] 

Prince — 

Oh, what an angel ! what a face ! 

What eyes ! what hair ! what charming grace ! 

How sad she looks ! Oh, what a sigh ! 

To let so fair a creature die. 

For want of knowino- how to lauoh, 

'Twixt you and me, is only chaff ! 

1 really think I must wade in — 

Where all have failed, perhaps Fll win. 

\_Exit Prince J 

[Ladies gather about the Princess ; Gobbo crowds in 
amongst them , pushing them back, and presenting himself 
before the P. witJi a loiv bow.~\ 
Gobbo — 

Permit me — here I am you see — 
Fresh as a rose — brisk as a bee — 
The Jirst my compliments to pay — 
I hope your highness' well to-day ! 

All — We hope she's well. 

Princess ( languidly ) — 

Thanks, my good Gobbo, you may tell 

To all the Court I'm very w^ell. ^ [Sighs. ] 

Gobbo — 

The Princess says she's very well. 

All — She's very well. 



— 12 — 

Getnmu — 

And (lid your highness sleep last night? 
Blanc] IP — 

And how's your l)lesscd appetite? 
Priiicesn — 

1 slept until the daylight's gleam ; 

And then 1 heard the peacock's scream 

I did not dream — I like to dream. \_Sighs.'\ 

All — She likes to dream. 

Princess — 

I l)reakfasted quite early too : 
I drank a cup of morning dew — 
Quite cool and sweet ; and then I ate 
A rol)in's liver, and a date. 

All— She ate a date ! 

Princess — 

And then my Maltese kitten came 

And played a wondrous silly game : 

She ran as fast as she could go, 

Hound and around — just whirling so — 

\_MaJves motion loitli liev 1iand.~\ 

To catch her tail — and never caught it ! 
Gemma — 

To cMtcii her tail I Who would have thought it? 

All— Ha! ha! ha! ha! 

Kincf — 

ThaVs very good. And did you not, 

My darling child, smile on the spot. 

To see her whirl inu" round about? 

It was ;i funny sight, no doubt. 
Princess — 

Smile at an idiotic cat ! 

I'm not so great a fool as that ! 

Indeed, I cried to see the dunce. 

And had her tail cut off at once! 



— la — 

Gobho — 

Well I must say that's rather rough — 
She had her kitten's tail cut off I 
Tliat makeH me think — this dreadful loss — 
How do you make a Maltese cross ? 

\_They gatlier around lihn loitJt much in/eresf.'j 
Blanche — 

A Maltese cross like this/ 

\_Touching cross upon Iter nech.~\ 

Lola — Or this ? 

Kita — 

I'm sure /don't knoAV how it is — 
Gohbo — 

Whj pull its tail — that's worth a kiss — 

[Snatches Nita's hand and tries to kiss if She slaj^s him, 
and he runs away, rubbing his cheek. ^ 

Nita — 

Why, where' s the Prince? I thought that he 

Desired our Princess fair to see. 
Lola — 

Be might have been too overcome, 

By her aliliction stricken dumb. 
Blanche — 

Perhaps he thought he'd better wait. 

Till he could make a call in state. 
Gemma — 

No, no, that never crossed his brain ! 

I'm sure we'll see the Prince again. 

King — (To Master of Ceremonies.) 

Well, Master Sandro, have you news? 

Have you had all your wits in use 

To find some new thing to amuse 

The Princess Chrysalline to-dav? 

The time is passing fast awajs 

For when the hills with spring are green, 

And roses bloom, she'll be fifteen ' 
All — She's most fifteen ! 



— 14 — 

Sandra — 

Your majesty, there came to me, 

But now, a stranger from the sea, 

And he some wondrous pictures brings 

Of animals, and curious things, 

And many views of strange intent, 

Such funny things they represent 

They'd make a puppy laugh indeed. 
Gohho— 

Oh then with you they would succeed ! 

Thai viakes me think, 

\_(ill fJie ladies gather round hitn.^ 
Siiy, do you know, 

If you should plant a puppy now 

What would spring up betimes, and grow? 

All — [wonderingly] 

To pUmt a pu})py — what w^ould grow? 
Gohho — 

Dog (Avood) woidd, of course, nw simple ones. 

The answer's plain to him who runs. 
King — 

Ha, ha, that's quite ridiculous. 

Of course 'twas xaxy plain to us — 

Now Master Sandro, quickly go, 

And bring the strangers whom you know. 

And l)id them show us as we joke 

The pictures queer of which, you spoke. 

\_Exit Sandro.] 
Queen — 

My daughter, how's your precious head? 

Your hands are warm, your cheeks are red, 

I'm sure you liked your ride to-day — 

Indeed, you're looking almost gay. 
Princess — 

There, there mamma — don't make a fuss, 

Or else those maids will laugh at us; 

Oh, yes, the ride was nice enough, 

Although the road was somewhat rough. \_8ighs.'] 



Queen — 

Rough ! did you say my darllnii? rough ! 
I'll have the road-man, Master Gruff, 
Hang high upon the nearest tree. 
Where all the world the wretch may see, 
If he has dared to leave a stump 
Upon the road, or even a lump 
Of dirt to jar my precious girl ! 
Why, all my brain is in .a whirl, 
To think the man should be so bold. 

Princess — 

Oh, pray mamma, pray do not s(;<)ld ! 
All — No, no, dear mistress do not scold. 

Gohho — 

Before the Princess, rage must cease ! 

That makes me think — young ladies please. 

You are so quick to guess and scan. 

What remed}^ an Irishman 

Takes when his wife begins to scold. 

And in a chill his blood runs cold. 

All — Takes when his wife begins to scold ! 

Gohho — 

You give it up? He — don't forget. 

Takes an (he licks her) elixir^ you can bet ! 
All — Ha, ha, ha ha, we won't forget ! 

[.Enter Sandro, folloived hy exhihitor of 'pictures, loitlt the 
tiDO pages, bringing in an immense alhmn, 4 feet hy 2^ ] 

Gohho — 

Well, that's a book of goodly size. 

That makes me think — now use your eyes — 

Why is his Majesty, the King, 

Who is so wise in every thing, 

Just like a book? 
Gemma — Why is the King 

Just like a book? 
All — We're wondering ! 



a,,hh(,— 

Because he lias so many pages. 

At guessing, you can't earn your wages ! 

[Dufinr/ the exhibition of pictures a good deal of panto- 
mimic acting must go on. Gobbo luns around, gets o^ 
several conundrums. As each picture is shown they all 
laugh hut tJu^ Princess, wJio sighs constanfly. After the 
exhihition is over. King and Quken Zoo/t- at each other 
and shake their heads. Every body shakes his head.'] 

fling — 

(jood Sandro, 'tis the story old : 

Go, give the man a ])urse of gold, 

And let him go upon his way. 

M}' daughter, what have you to say? 

How did 3'ou find the pictures, dear? 
Princess — 

Oh well, I thought them rather queer. \_Sighs.~\ 

All — She thought them (pieer. 

Princess — 

But I can never tell, it's clear. 

What in those wretched things you saw 

To make 3'ou all cry, ha, ha, ha ! 

I wish you would for once be quiet, 

I'm weary of such noise and riot ; 

My ears were deafened with the din. 

My senses seem to reel and spin. 
Queen — 

My child, we all must laugh you know, 

And have our joke where'er we go ; 

Why, all the world is full of fun, 

And laughter comes to cverv one 

As daih' to the earth the sun ; 

The babies giggle ere they talk. 

And shout with alee before thev walk. 



— 17 — 

Now try, my dear, and sec if you 
Can do for once as others do : 
Lift up your head and try — Jus( so; 
If you begin, the kiugh will grow. 

All — Ha ha, ha ha, he he, ho ho. 

Princess — 

What ! stretch my mouth from ear to ear, 
Like Nita, Blanche and Gemm:i here? 
Distort my face, roll up my eyes 
And utter senseless, silly cries, 
And look just like, for all the world, 
The monkies in those pictures curled ; 
Why Gobbo rolled from side to side. 
And stretched his mouth so very wide 
That when the show at first began 
I feared he'd swallow up the man — 
1 trembled such a sight to see. 

AH — Ha ha, ha ha, ho ho, he he 

Gobbo — 

No, no, your highness, that would be 
Too big a dose for even me. 
That makes me think — young ladies listen 
And this will make your bright eyes glisten : 
Now tell me quickly, if you can. 
If you should swallow down a man. 
What sort of man would you prefer? 
Think quietly and don't you stir. 

All— 

What sort of man would we prefer 
To swallow down without much stir? 

Gobbo — 

A little London Porter, dears. 
That's all — now Gobbo disappears. 

[Buns of stage, all shaking their hands at him as he goes.] 



.<f^OT II. 

Scene — Roo'ni in fhc Palace — King — Queen — Attendants — 

Enter Sandro.] 
Sandra — 

Your lUiijostv, within the gates • 

A iiicssciigcr from Egypt waits, 

Sent from the city by the Nile ; 

He's traveled many a weary mile 

To bring condolence and su|)[)ort 

From King Ramcses and his Court, 
King — 

Admit him, Sandro ; pleased are we. 

This strange Egyptian we will see. 

All — An Egyptian from Egypt he. 

\_Exit San DUO.] 
Queen — 

My dear, you are too easy quite ; 

Our daughter sighs from morn till night; 

And while you spend your time in chaffing 

She's all the farther off from laughing 

Pray give this matter more attention — 

I am so full of ai)prehension» 
King — 

My dearest Queen, what can l)e done? 

In every land ])eneath the sun, 

Where mountains rise w rivers run. 

Or man or beast can penetrate, 

I've sent my heralds all to state 

That I would give yon huge reward 

To prince or [)easant, serf or lord, 

Who'll make our precious princess laugh. 

Or even smile, and that is half. 
All— That's more than half. 



— 19 — 

\_Enter Sandro with Egyptian, ivJio .mlaams before the 

King and Queen.] 
Egyptian — 

Most potent King, from Egypt's shore 

Where reigns Rameses, monarch o'er 

A sacred country, I've lieen sent 

To be, perhaps, the instrument 

Of bringing hiughter to the eyes 

Of your fair child, of whose sad sighs 

Our king has heard a strange report ; 

Therefore, he's seiit unto your court 

His favorite troop of dancing girls, 

Whose trip[)ing steps and rapid whirls 

May serve the Princess to amuse. 
King — 

We thank the King ; 'tis pleasing news, 

And we may find in his suggestion 

An answer to our puzzling question. 

We'll deck your troop of dancing girls 

With strings of diamonds and pearls, 

If by their tripping they succeed 

In bringing succor to our need. 
Gohho — [to Egyptian] 

If you don't make the Princess laugh, 

Get me to write your epitaph. 

Sandro — 

We'll have your show at once, no doubt. 

Where is your troop ? 
Egyptian — They wait without. 

And I will bring them in at once. \_Exit Egyptian.] 
Gohho — 

Ah ha ! There goes another dunce. 

\_Bows loio, mocking the Egyptian.] 
(To Sandro) 

T.hat makes me think — can you surmise. 

Good master Sandro, you're so wise, 

Why yonder man, who bent so low, 

Is like the laro-est trees that stow? 



— 20 

Sandra — 

Why that Egyptian's like a tree, 

I do not see how that can be. 

Gobbo, my wonder you arouse. 
Gobho— 

Because he is so full of bows {boughs). 
[Bows low, in imitation q/" Egyptian. All laugh. ~\ 
Sandra — 

In such a laugh I can but join — 

And I'll return your jingling coin ; 

Now answer this from out your store, 

Why is a fool's mouth like that door? 
Gohho — 

Just like a door? — because it shows 

The way to wisdom, I suppose. 
Sandro — 

Ah ha ! your wit is dull for once, 

Because it's always open, dunce. 

[All laugh, pointing at Gobbo. Exit Sandro ] 
King — 

Silence I This is no laughing matter, 

I'm weary of your senseless chatter. 

Inform the Princess that we wait 

Her presence on our throne of state. 

[Exit King, Queen, Attendants.] 
Gohho — [alone] 

No laughing matter? TJiat is good, 

When all the world has understood 

That every one about this court 

Revels in folly fun and sport. 

And I of all the merry crew. 

Am just the biggest fool, that's true ! 

Why, Gobbo always loudest laughs. 

The highest jumps, the deepest quaffs ; 

And if the Princess will cj[uit crying. 

And laugh herself, I'll do the sighing. 

\^Exit GoBBO.] 



— 21 — 

[Change of Scene. — King, Queen, Princess, everybody ; 
Egyptian enters, ushering in his troop; Dance front Aida ; 
Princess sighs deeply, takes little interest ; after the dance 
is over, Page enters, and presents letter to Sanuro. He 
reads it; bows before the King.] 

Sandro — 

Your majesty, from land of Fuz, 
Comes the great giant, Welabuz ; 
His herald, who before him goes, 
(To blow his trumpet I suppose). 
Admission to your presence craves, 
The humblest of your humblest slaves. 

All — A giant from the land of Fuz. 

Gobbo (to Pages) — 

Do you know what a giant does ? 
He makes a meal of boys like you. 
Blood, bones and all — and body too I 

King — 

A ofiant / have never seen . 

Shall we — what says my gracious Queen, 

Admit the Herald ? 

Queen — 

Yes, indeed, 
Go bid him enter with all speed. 

\_Exit Sandro ] 

King — 

That dance was a right merry one. 
My faith, 'twas all too quickly done ; 
The tripping feet and sudden flash 
Of sparkling eyes and jingling clash 
Of every tinkling ornament. 
In swifter flow my blood has sent ; 
The Court of Egypt must be gay, 
I'd like such dancing every day, 
My daughter, shall I bid them stay? 



— 22 — 

Princess — 

Ob no, papu, it seems to me, 
A senseless merriment to be ; 
I really ti'ied to smile, l)ut I 
Could only hide my face and sigh. 
I'm sick of all, and weary half; 
Papa, / don't know how to laugh ! 

All— 

She don't know how to laugh ! 

Queen — 

My daughter, don't say that again. 
You fill me with despair and pain. 
May every evil 'neath the sun 
Torment and curse that wicked one, 
Who's stolen every joy you had. 
And made you always sour and sad ; 
So that no hour from morn till night, 
Can bring you gladness or delight. 

Princess — 

Indeed, mamma, you're quite mistaken ; 

For every morning when 1 waken. 

My birds sing me their sweetest measure, 

And fill my very heart with pleasure ; 

And all the blossoms, high and low, 

That in the palace garden grow. 

Lift up their faces, wet with dew. 

To give me joy and gladness too. 

But when to thank them all I try 

To show my love, I only sigh ! \_8ig]is.'\ 

Queen — 

My child, your sighs fill me with dread ; 

I wisli a laugh would come instead. 

Oh, when will dawn the happy day, 

When you will laugh and sing alway ! 
King — 

Indeed, and this will never do ; 



— 2o — 

For, just as sure as blue is blue, 
I'll turn the Kingdom upside down, • 

Upset my throne and smash my crown, 
But you shall change this soljer mien, 
And laugh before you are fifteen ! 

\_Enter Sandiio, followed hij Herald.] 

Well, slave, and what's your will with us? 
Herald (bowing low) — 

His Highness, Emperor of Fuz, 

Hath sent me hither, gracious King : 

Here's the credentials that I brinff. 
[ Unrolls enormous paper ^ ornamented witJi huge green, red 

and yellow seals. ~\ 
Herald — 

In the far country, whence I come, 

; Strange beings o'er the mountains roam ; 

I Of stature tall, and wondrous strength, 

I They're hard to capture, hard to keep ; 

l But when they're lured, all unaware, 

i; Into the wily hunter's snare, 

I They're taught with patience, day by day, 

f Till they forget their savage way ; 

And when they're tamed and quite content. 

Unto the Emperor they're sent ; 

And full of drollery and sport. 

They fill with laughter all the Court. 

And twenty giants, hugely grown. 

Keep guard around the Emperor's throne. 

Your heralds through our empire sent, 

Proclaimed your strange predicament : 

His highness, therefore, sent from Fuz 

His wondrous giant, Welabuz, 

Who can perform such curious things — 

Such tricks he plays — such songs he sings — 

That all who've ever seen the man. 

Have laughed, and laughed hard as they can. 



Gohbo (aside) — 

'Tis easier far to talk by half 

Than 'tis to make the Princess laugh 

Khifj — 

Our full consent we will bestow — 
This giant comes quite apropos — 

To Queen — 

You see, my dear, we are not yet 
At our rope's end, so do not fret ! 

[Enter Herald, followed by giant. All exclaim ah! alii 

all! ah!~\ 

Gohbo — 

Well, there's one thing that is worth knowing; 
And that is, when you should stop gjowiug ! 

\_After the exhibition, the ladies gather in a group ] 

Blanche — 

Was ever such a wondrous sight? 
Was ever man of such a height? 

Nita— 

I'm glad such beings do not fill 

Our woods, and roam our land at will ! 

Lola — 

Why, Gobbo, you have nought to say ; 
He's frightened all your wit away ! 

Gohbo — 

I wonder whether fruit or meat. 
Or something sour, or something sweet, 
They give that giant strange to eat ! 
If I can find out what's his diet. 
By all, that's wonderful, Fll try it! 
And if I do begin to grow% 
You will go down, as uj) I go ! 

All — Ha ! ha ! ha I ha ! — as up you go. 



— 25 — 

Nita — 

Don't try, dear Gobho, for you niight, 

By some mischance, grow out of sight, 

And then we'd sigh by day and night ! 
Gobbo — 

That makes me think. It's curious, 

This famous giant Wehibuz, 

Of stature tall, and frightful mein, 

Why is he like our Chrysalline? 

Blanche — 

This dreadful giant, Welabuz, 
Like our dear princess? 

All— Tell it us ! 

Gobbo — 

Why, isn't he a Prince of size? \_Pointing up.'] 

And she's a Princess, too, of sighs ! 

All — Ha ! ha ! They're both of wondrous size. 

Princess {who has been sitting lost in thought) — 
My dear papa, I'm tired of shows : 
I think that every wind that blows 
Brings hither troops of fools, who seem 
The workers of a cunning scheme 
To get your gold, and fill your Court 
With mummery and silly sport, 
And every species of derision. . 
And now, with your most kind permission, 
I'll leave your presence, and will go 
To feed my birds, who miss me so. 
Come Lola- -Nita — come all three — 
I pray you all to come with me. 

[Exit Princess and Ladies.] 
Queen to King — 

Another failure ! What comes next? 
I'm growing more and more perplexed ! 
I'm sure that something there must be 



— 2»> — 

To touch the chord of joy and irlec 
Within the breast of our dear pet, 
That never has been wakened yet — 
It only sleeps ; for, when she lay 
Within her cradle, full of play, 
Her lauirhter, sweet as song of bird, 
liinuinff from room to room, we heard, 
Althouirh she could not speak a word : 
P'rom day to day 'twas e'er the same. 
Until that dreadful fairy came. 
And laid her wicked spell upon her. 
And caused all hai)piness to shun her I 
Kin<i — 

My spirits, too, begin to sink ! 
I fear that we're upon the brink 
Of all the grief that's been foretold, 
If she don't laugh, by joy controlled, 
Before she is tifteen 3'ears old I 

\_Leans ]ns head upon his handy looking very diKtonsolate. 

Gob BO imilafes him.~\ 
/Sandra — 

I fear that every thing Avill fail. 

And the old fairy's curse prevail. 

Gobbo, your wit needs but a Avink — 

Of something you can surely think. 
Gobho— 

And if I could — what is the use? 

I've tried the Princess to amuse 

Since ever she began to talk : 

Since long before she learned to walk. 

And never yet could win a smile. 

With all the |)ranks I've played the while. 

No, no, a bigger fool, by half, 

Than Gobbo is, must make her lauo;h I 

\_All looJc disconsolate, and sigh.~\ 

END SECOND ACT. 



^f^OT III. 

Street in front of the Stage. Prince Isamboo comes in 
from Left; Margery comes from rigid, irifh a basket 
on her arm. They meet. 

Prince — 

Well met, well met, my pretty maid, 

My hasty footsteps are well stayed. 

I never pass such eyes of blue 

Without a closer, nearer view ; {Lifts up her head.) 

Sparkling they are, and bright, indeed. 

And full of mischief, too, 1 read. 

Tell me, what mission brings you here — 

Mercy, or Charity, my dear? 

Margery — 

Sir, I'm in haste ; for I must go 
To yonder garden there below. 
And gather vines, all fresh and green, 
And flowers, for Princess Chrysalline. 
I deck her chamber, every day, 
With blossoms beautiful and gay. 

Prince — 

Well, that's a custom sweet to use ; 
And can you tell me any news 
Of your young Princess, who, I've heard. 
Has never been by laughter stirred ? 

Margery — 

Oh, sir, she's growing worse and worse ! 
She thinks but of the fairy's curse ; 
And every day she sighs and sighs 
With o-rief that never satisfies ! 



— 28 — 

This morning, when I helped her dress — 
Please, sir, that is my business — 

\^droj)ping a curtsy^ 
And strove her golden hair to braid, 
Her tears ran down until they made 
So great a stream upon the floor. 
It flowed until it reached the door. 
Prince — 

Why, such a stream would swamp my boat — 

Upon it I shall never float. 

I have no use for tears — not I — 

This world's too bright for me to sigh ! 

Ah, ha — what's this that's going by? 

\_Man (^or boy) crosses the stage with poster or placard, 

offering reioard for making Princess laugh. '\ 
Margery — 

Oh, sir, that is the great reward 

Offered to peasant, prince, or lord, 

Who, by his cunning, will devise 

Some new invention, great and wise, 

To make her highness laugh ; — indeed. 

It's time that some one should succeed 

And please the Princess Chrysalline, 

For in a Aveek she'll be fifteen. 

'Twould every blessing bring to her. 

Oh ! have you ever seen her, sir? 
Prince — 

I saw her once, my pretty maid ; 

And ever since her face has stayed 

Within my mind, till it has grown 

To be far dearer than my own. 

What has been tried? has all been done 

To rouse her sense of joy and fun? 
Margery — 

Oh, every day, there's something new 

Of fun and frolic e'er in view ; 






— 29 — 

There's nothing heard but laugh and song, 

And mirth, and music all day long ; 

And no one dares to frown or sigh, 

Or sober look when she is nigh. 

If you had seen the routs we've had, 

You'd swear the whole Court had <2:one mad. 

To-night, there is a jolly ball 

Held in the largest palace hall, 

And I must hasten on my way, 

Too long your speech has made me stay. 

My flowers must fill the Princess' room 

With color bright and sweet perfume ; 

They make her chamber, every night, 

A bower of beauty and delight. 

l^xit Margery, with curtly .~\ 
Prince (alone) — 

To-night, within the palace hall. 

There'll be a joyous carnival ; 

A jolly dance and merry rout. 

To make the Princess laugh, no doubt. 

Well, I've a plan that I'll work out. 

And for this ball I will prepare — 

I think I'll make my entrance there. 

\_Exit Prince.] 

[Change of Scene. — State apartment of the palace; King 
and Queen on their throne; Gobbo — Attendants. Enter 

Sandro.] 

Sandro — 

Your majesty, here's something new ! 
Here is a wooer come to woo ; 
His highness. Prince of Isamboo, 
Implores your utmost condescension. 
And begs immediate attention. 
He comes with heralds to proclaim 
His riches vast — his martial fame ; 
He brings a store of gems and gold, 



— 30 — 

And treasures wondrous to behold ; 
The like of which we've never seen, 
And asks to woo fair Chrysalline. 

King — 

My faith, a royal Avooer this — 
I've heard of him before, I wis — 
And to his speech I'll not be dumb. 

To Gohbo— 

Go, bid the Princess hither come. 
Tell her we wait within the hall. 
Her presence fair, to grace the ball. 



\_ExU GOBBO.] 



King to Sandro — 

And you, good Sandro, seek the Prince, 

And if his highness should evince 

A curious interest in the sport 

And jollity about our Court, 

Which drives all dignity away. 

Tell him the reason as you may ; 

A lover's wisdom may succeed — 

The darkest riddles love can read. 

\_Exit Sandro.] 
Queen — 

Yes, love dwells on the highest throne ! 

Love has a wisdom of his own ; 

And has been since the world began 

The ruler of the heart of man. 

Hopeful, I am afraid to be. 

And yet there's something whispers me 

That this young stranger will impart 

A knowledge to our daughter's heart. 

So sweet and new, she'll smile I know. 

To see how briaht the Avorld will grow ! 



— ;u — 

[Enter Princess and Ladies ; as tltey take fheir seats, a 
Jlourish of trumpets is heard. Enter Sanoko, ushering in 
the Prince, folloived by tivo Attendants.] 

Sandro — 

His highness, Prince of Isamboo, 
Your majesty, addresses you. 

All — Behold the Prince of IsamV)oo ! 

[ The Prince must have very long hair, parted in the mid- 
dle; dressed all in black — an aesthetic youth in fact — 
He bows very low. J 

Prince — 

Your majesty, in hope and fear, 
Beliold me in your presence here ; 
In the far land which bears my name. 
Strange whispers of your daughter came ; 
Until my heart within me stirred 
Whene'er her blessed name I heard. 
Such tales were told of her sweet face, 
Her beauty, loveliness and grace ! 
Enchanted by this fair report. 
In haste I left my father's Court, 
To seek your presence, and impart 
The dearest wish of all my heart : 
To ask, oh gracious King and Queen, 
That I may woo fair Chrysalline. 

Gobbo {aside) — 

Upon my word, this foreign Prince 
Don't stop for trifles ;— he don't mince 
His words or matter, not a bit, 
But goes right to the point of it ! 

King — 

You're welcome. Prince, unto our Court, 
Your speech is of a strange import ; 
This matter's of grave obligation — 
We'll give it due consideration, 



If its result be good, or ill. 
We'll now present you with good will, 
Unto our daughter, Chr3^salline, 
The fairest Princess ever seen 

[Prince J)Oivs loto to Princess, who regarcU him gravely. 
He drops upon one knee, and says dramatically^ : 

Prince — 

Behold me at your Highness' feet, 
A suitor for your kindness sweet. 
I only ask a sentence wise — 
A kindly look from your soft eyes ; 
I only ask your hand to kiss, 
Fair lady, Avill you grant me this? 

Princess {giving him her hand) — 

Rise Prince ! Pm little used to see 
So brave a youth upon his knee. 

\_She sighs. Prince echoes the sigh as he rises ] 

Princess — 

For compliments I have no taste — 

Spare them, I pray you — do not waste 

Your courtesy on idle words, 

Whose meaning, like the wings of birds. 

Breaks through the air, and leaves no trace. 

Prince — 

What wisdom, joined to wit and grace ! 

\_BotJi sigh. She looks at him in a startled manner. He 

continues.'] 

Prince — 

The wings of birds in sudden gleam, 
If they but touch a shining stream, 
C/reate a ripple that doth go 
From shore to shore in circling flow ; 
And though my words may idle seem. 



— 33 — 

They'll break the sui'f;ice of your dream, 
And make a ripple on the stream. 

[_Bolli sir/h.^ 
King to Queen — 

r faith his speech is sweet to hear. 
She listens with a willino- ear ! 

Pi'incess (rising) — 

Your words are hard to understand, 

You are a stranger in our land. 

Or you would knov/ that sober speech, 

My ears is not allowed to reach. 

That I have heard e'er since my birth, 

Nothing but merriment and mirth. 

But tell me, Prince, from whence you come — 

Fve never been away from home. 

\Tliey ivalk up and down together, talking. Every time 
she sighs, he sighs. /She frowns always, and looks at him 
in a puzzled manner. ~\ 

Gemma — 

I'm full of wonder and surprise, 

I scarcely can believe my eyes, 

He is a very Prince of lies. 

And that's a fact that's worth a touch ! 

This Prince has altered very much 

Since first he came with doleful tale 

Of vessel wrecked by furious gale. 

Lola — 

He was so wondrously polite 
When first he came into our sight. 
And told us why and whence he came — 
1 wonder what's his little game? 

Blanche — 

He vms polite — but now you see. 
He's eyes for neither you nor me, 



34 



Gobho — 

Ah ha ! now you are puzzled (|uite, 
You're all where Gohl)o was last night, 
When he blew out his candle light. 



'C5' 



Nita- 



And where is that? may I inquire. 
I'm sure it's not time to retire. 



Gobho — 

You're in the (JMvk, of course ni}^ dear, 
And there you'll stay sometime, I fear. 
[_The Prince and Princess walk forward. '\ 

Princess — 

And in yonv land, do fairer flowers 
Breathe sweeter perfume than in ours? 
Or songs of l)irds fall on the ear, 
With sweeter melody than here? 

Priw-e ( sighi ng ) — 

Oh, never yet were flowers more fair 

Than deck our hills and valleys there. 

\_She sighs, ah!'\ 

And sometimes in the forest ways, 

1 stand in ecstasy, and gaze 

Upon some weed that grows apace 

In perfect harmony and grace 

No beauty in this world of ours. 

But has its likeness in the flowers. 

Your Highness, you are like the flowers. 

\^Both sigh.'] 

And I have caused my slaves to bring, 

A wonderful and beauteous thing ; 

And if you grant your sweet consent. 

This treasure to you I'll present. 
Princess — 

Oh, Prince, so kind, the words you use, 

I do not know how to refuse ; 



— 35 — 

Although, I fear this gift divine, 
Is all too priceless to be mine ! 

Prince — 

Oh, no ! sweet maiden, 'tis like you 
In all its wealtli of form and luic. 
It is a model foi- the art 
Of man to copy every part ; 
And though they basely imitate* 
The rare perfection of its state. 
They never yet, with all their art, 
Have made its lovely countisrpart ! 
Go bring the treasure I desire — 
" Prepare to wonder and admire !" 

{His Attendants go out.'\ 
Princess (to Gemma) — 

My heart is filled with shooting pains ; 
My blood is tingling in my veins : 
My head's been whirling ever since 
I met the eyes of yonder Prince ! 
And now I am all expectation — 
I fear I'll die with admiration. 
My wonder's raised to such a heio-ht, 
I scarcely can await the sight ! 

{Enter Attendants, carrying a huge sunflcnver—four feet 
high, at least; as they set it doivn, the Prince strikes an 
attitude before it ] 

Prince — 

Oh, spectacle of wondrous growth ! 
Emblem of grace and beauty both I 
As you e'er turn your peerless face 
Toward the sun to seek his grace, 
May we seek your magnificence. 
Although in insignificance ! 
With sturdy heart and leaves of gold. 
Emblem of Nature, uncontrolled ! 
Your loveliness may all behold ! 



{^He strikes a ludicrous attitude of admiration, extending his 
arms toward the sunflower. The Princess looks at him 
wtth amazement — everybody seems amazed — nobody laughs. 
On the other side, Gobbo is standing in exact imitation of 
the Prince. She looks from one to the other, and bursts 
out laughing. /She laugJis and laughs. The King and 
Queen embrace each other. Gemma, Nita, Lola and 
Blanche embrace.. Prince and Gobbo retain tht.ir pos- 
ition. The Princess dances across the stage, looks at 
them, and laughs again. She seizes Gobbo, and they 
dance. The Prince throws of his loig, and becomes him- 
self again. He meets the Princess, and they both laugh. 
Dancers rush in from all sides. King comes forward. 

King — 

Oh, Prince, wilh gratitude we're wild ! 
You've saved our l^ingdom I — saved our child ! 
Yours the reward whene'er you claim — 
I'll double it — it's all the same ! 

Prince — 

Oh, thanks, your majesty ; but I 
Care not for gold were it piled high 
Enough to reach the shining sky ! 
But if you'll grant me this fair hand, 
I'll be the richest in the land? 

[ Taking the hand of the Princess, kneeling before K & Q.] 

King — 

Oh, ne'er was hand more fairly won ! 

I'll gladly take you for my son ! 
Queen — 

And I your mother-in-law will be — 

I'm sure you will agree with me. 

Princess — 

Mamma, I don't knoAV how to speak ! 
I feel the smile upon my cheek ! 
I feel the laughter in my eyes, 



— 37 — 

Coming like bubl)les when they rise 
Upon the surface of the wine, 
Sparkling and dancing as they shine ! 
The burden's gone from off my heart ! 
My tears are dried, no more to start ! 
For love has come with smiling sense 
To give its own sweet evidence — 
To drive away all care and pain — 
You'll never hear me sigh again ! 
And yonder flower you shall behold 
Encased in diamonds and gold 
The day that I' m fifteen years old ! 

\_Points to sunjlower.'\ 

(jrobho — 

That makes me think. Our Princess dear, 
Where will she go (in haste that's clear) 
When she does leave her fifteenth year? 

All — Where will she go? why, we don't know. 

Gohbo— 

Into her sixteenth year ! That's so. 

All — That's so 

[Prince and Princess come forward. The rest fake places 
for a dance, except Gobbo.] 

Prince — 

Forgive me, audience most mighty, 

If I do seem a little flighty. 

It's hard to worship Nature's child, 

\_Pointing to sunfloiver.'] 

And not seem just a little wild(e). 
And then you see, with all my chaff, 
I've saved the Princess — made her laugh. 
And proud am I, all said and done. 
When all have failed, you see Tve won ! 



— 38 — 

Princess — 

The fairy now may shake her staff, 

And rage and curse — Tve learned to laugh. 

And if from this time forth, I say, 

1 laugh and giggle all the day 

And only see what will amuse, 

I'll offer now my dear excuse. 

[Points to Prince.] 

And while the world is bright before us, 
We'll live and die in laughing chorus. 

Gohho — 

And I'll assert again the truth 
Of what I said about the youth : 
Mistakes are things I never make ; 
You know I told you it would take, 
A bigger fool indeed, by half. 
Than Gobbo is, to make her laugh ! 

\_Grand dance.'] 

End. 
Note. — The authoress is indebted to her friends for 
many of the conundrums used. 



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